Kwara chieftain cautions politicians against inflammatory remarks

Yakubu Gobir, the Sarkin Gobir and Madawaki of Ilorin Emirate, has called for political harmony in Kwara State, appealing to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and Senator Saliu Mustapha to prioritize their shared heritage over political rivalries. Gobir, who holds traditional titles and has known both leaders for years, emphasized their brotherhood and the deep bonds uniting the people of Ilorin.

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I have known the Sardauna of Ilorin Emirate, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, for almost 40 years, and I have known the Turaki of Ilorin, Senator Saliu Mustapha, for almost 10 years. I have enjoyed a good personal relationship with both of them, and I regard both as brothers and friends.

In a statement released in Ilorin, Gobir urged supporters of both political figures to refrain from personal attacks and campaigns of calumny. He warned that political disagreements should not be allowed to create lasting divisions within the community. Gobir highlighted his personal relationships with AbdulRazaq, the Sardauna of Ilorin Emirate, and Mustapha, the Turaki of Ilorin, noting that their common ground far outweighs their political differences.

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Having known both of them personally for many years, I know that there is much more that unites them than divides them. Whatever political differences may exist today should not be allowed to erase years of friendship, mutual respect and shared history.

"Whatever political differences may exist today should not be allowed to erase years of friendship, mutual respect and shared history," Gobir stated. He reminded them that their identities as sons of Ilorin precede their political affiliations. The traditional titleholder urged them not to let political competition weaken their relationship or fracture the emirate's unity.

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Before politics, there is brotherhood. Before political parties, there is Ilorin. That bond must remain stronger than whatever political differences may exist between us.

Gobir also directed his appeal to the supporters, cautioning that loyalty to a political leader should not manifest as hostility towards others. "Loyalty does not mean hatred. You can defend your leader without insulting another man’s leader," he advised, stressing that disagreements should not lead to the destruction of relationships. He warned that inflammatory rhetoric could inflict wounds that take years to heal, urging them to protect Ilorin's peace and unity above temporary political battles.

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Loyalty does not mean hatred. You can defend your leader without insulting another man’s leader. You can disagree without destroying relationships.